For Teachers, By Teachers: How Classroom Experience Shapes Constructive Playthings' Educational Resources
The products and resources that fill classrooms and spark children's imaginations don't just appear out of thin air. Behind many of them is Julie Spencer, Director of Early Childhood Resources at Constructive Playthings. Her journey, from a dedicated early childhood educator to a key player in the educational resource industry, is a story of passion, experience, and a deep understanding of what makes learning through play truly effective.
"My favorite part of teaching," Julie recalls, "was being around the children and watching their growth and development throughout the year. Their sense of awe and wonder as they experienced new things was so rewarding." This firsthand understanding of children's needs and how they interact with materials—gained during her 30 years in the classroom, working with toddlers and then 3-5-year-olds—is invaluable in her current role.
Now, Julie's responsibilities span product development, sourcing, and the creation of the beloved Constructive Playthings catalog. Her classroom background gives her a unique perspective. "I was in the classroom for many years," she explains, "and saw firsthand what materials and products worked and which ones didn't." This allows her to anticipate the needs of teachers and children, ensuring that the products she selects are not only engaging but also developmentally appropriate. She uses her expertise in child development to curate products that support teachers in guiding children toward key developmental milestones. This expertise also informs the content-rich resources Constructive Playthings provides, like our guides on "How to Choose a Light Table" and "How to Choose a Sensory Table." Julie’s feedback and input are invaluable in creating these resources, ensuring they offer practical advice on product selection and classroom implementation.
When evaluating new products, several crucial factors come into play. "Quality is most important," Julie emphasizes. She looks for durable materials that can withstand the rigors of daily classroom use. "When there's more than one way to use a material, the possibilities are endless!" highlighting the importance of versatility and open-ended play. Open-ended items, which can be used across different age ranges and in multiple ways, foster creativity and imagination. "Educational value is also important," she states, noting the goal is to provide teachers with high-quality, long-lasting resources that truly enhance learning.
Staying on top of the latest trends and innovations in early childhood education is essential. Julie is constantly researching, talking to teachers, reviewing industry publications, and attending professional development sessions through organizations like NAEYC. This continuous learning ensures that Constructive Playthings remains at the forefront of providing effective and engaging educational tools.
Constructive Playthings' "For Teachers, By Teachers" motto is more than just a tagline; it's a core value. Julie embodies this principle in her work. "I always start by looking through the lens of an early childhood educator when making decisions on a product," she says. She considers how children will use it, which developmental skills it will enhance, its suitability for different learning environments, its durability, and its ease of cleaning.
For Julie, working at Constructive Playthings is a true passion. "I love developing products and working to source them all over the world," she shares. This includes a strong focus on finding materials and factories that align with Constructive Playthings' commitment to sustainability. See how we’re working towards a greener future in this video about our eco-friendly initiatives. "I also enjoy the relationships I’ve made with vendors across the toy industry. It’s a great industry and one I’m proud to be part of.”
Her advice to aspiring teachers is simple yet profound: "Enjoy the experience and be open to all the wonderful things young children can teach you! Most importantly, know that you are doing important work and making a mark on the future!" And thanks to Julie Spencer and the team at Constructive Playthings, teachers have the tools they need to make that mark a little brighter.
